removing the vacuum switch assembly

Hi. I see that several kz550 owners remove the vacuum switch assembly (EGR Valve) and hoses going into the manifold, some use APE covers, others just plug them with rubber stoppers. My question is what is the result from removing this stuff? I would like to remove it just to get it out of the way but I am wondering if removal of these hoses and the vacuum switch will affect performance in any way and is there anything else I need to do if I remove the hoses and block them up. Thank you

originaly posted by Bluemenie when i asked that same question :

"Getting rid of the smog stuff in no way effects running. You may find that in fact you will have less popping on de-acceleration. Just about everyone gets rid of that stuff. All you have to do is either plug off or run a hose (3/4") valve to valve. Cap off vacuum fittings and hole in air box and your all set."

the dude the post was about said that his bike was warming up in 1/4 the time after he took his off

I live in the desert. We see 115 degree (Fahrenheit) days in the summer. That his bike warms up quicker doesn't mean it runs warmer overall does it? At stop lights on hot days with stop and go traffic my kz gets hotter than I as it is, I don't want to do anything that will make it run too hot.

Thank you for the information, knowing that it is commonly done makes me feel better about doing it.
I am going to remove the smog but keep it just in case I ever need it. I will be sure to cover openings. Thank you.

An oil cooler may help reduce engine heat. You'll need to figure out mounting hardware and how to tap into the engine oil supply. I'd try the wrecking yards for a GPz 550 as I believe the engines are quite similar for the cooler and other special parts.

www.oldkawman.com has oil cooler parts kit for the bigger 4's, I'd imagine he can make up something for your bike.

Treewizard wrote: originaly posted by Bluemenie when i asked that same question :

"Getting rid of the smog stuff in no way effects running. You may find that in fact you will have less popping on de-acceleration. Just about everyone gets rid of that stuff. All you have to do is either plug off or run a hose (3/4") valve to valve. Cap off vacuum fittings and hole in air box and your all set."

the dude the post was about said that his bike was warming up in 1/4 the time after he took his off

Yea, I don't understand that part. Removing the smog has nothing to do with warming up.

im opnon should make your bike run a little cooler

right now its letting fresh air in your exhaust to kind of `afterburn` the unspent fuel going into exhaust

Removing the clean air system, Air Injection to Exhaust, will not help or hurt the running of the motor. It only adds clean air to the exhaust port, cleaning up emissions. Now if you have emission testing in your state, you would fail on just the visual inspection as equipment is missing/ modified.
The only real gain is to make the bike appear cleaner under the tank. The loss is of course greater emissions.